LEXINGTON, Kentucky – The Lexington VA Health Care System is merging with the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, becoming the 20th affiliated hospital in the state.
The goal of the partnership is to provide veterans in Kentucky with expanded access to specialized cancer care, including clinical trials and advanced technology, offered by the Markey Cancer Center as the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Kentucky. Through this partnership, veterans can receive comprehensive cancer care from prevention to treatment to survivorship within the VA network and closer to home.
The Lexington VA Health Care system serves a population of nearly 83,000 veterans in central Kentucky with two Lexington campuses and community clinics in Berea, Hazard, Morehead and Somerset. It offers a wide range of cancer care, including various surgical specialties, medical oncology and chemotherapy infusions, as well as other services such as physical therapy, mental health care and social work.
“By joining forces with the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network, we are combining our resources, expertise and commitment to provide comprehensive, cutting-edge cancer care specifically tailored to the unique needs of our veterans,” said Anna Rose, clinical nurse practitioner at the Lexington VA Health Care System. “Our collaboration will improve access to cutting-edge treatments, advanced diagnostics and holistic care services and ensure our veterans receive the best possible care throughout their cancer journey.”
The UK and the VA have a long-standing partnership. The two institutions collaborate on research, education and patient care, and many UK faculty members have joint appointments at the VA.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Lexington VA Health Care System to the UK Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network,” said Colleen Swartz, DNP, deputy chief operations officer for UK HealthCare. “This new alliance will accelerate our collaborative efforts in cancer research and treatment and ultimately improve outcomes for Kentucky’s veterans and all cancer patients in our region.”
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network was founded in 2006 to provide high-quality cancer care closer to home and minimize the impact of cancer through education, prevention, clinical care and access to research. It is one of only 57 cancer centers in the country to receive the NCI’s Comprehensive Cancer Center designation.
The Markey Cancer Center Affiliate Network consists of 20 hospitals in the state of Kentucky:
- Clark Regional Medical Center, Winchester
- Georgetown Community Hospital, Georgetown
- Harlan ARH Hospital, Harlan
- Harrison Memorial Hospital, Cynthia
- Hazard ARH Regional Medical Center, Hazard
- Highlands ARH Regional Medical Center, Prestonsburg
- Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, Somerset
- Lexington VA Health System, Lexington
- Meadowview Regional Medical Center, Maysville
- Mercy Health-Lourdes Hospital, Paducah
- Middlesboro ARH Hospital, Middlesboro
- Owensboro Health Regional Hospital, Owensboro
- Rockcastle Regional Hospital, Mt Vernon
- St. Elizabeth Nursing, Ebersbach
- Taylor Regional Hospital, Campbellsville
- Bowling Green Medical Center, Bowling Green
- TJ Samson Community Hospital, Glasgow
- Tug Valley ARH Regional Medical Center, South Williamson
- British Royal Daughters, Ashland
- United Kingdom St. Claire, Morehead
